The Fabulous Hammers
Seattle, Washington, United States | SELF
Music
Press
So where in the world, exactly, did these Fabulous Hammers pop up from?
Well, right here in Seattle of course – and if you would just listen to the rock band's stunning brand new disc you wouldn't be asking such silly questions.
The Hammers boast an enviably slinky '60s vibe that unmistakably harkens directly back to the heyday of the original "Northwest Sound." Talk about a regional rock 'n' roll time-warp! The original compositions contained on the Fab Ham's new 14-song disc reveal a remarkable fluency in the musical language developed in this region four decades ago by such influential local players as the Dave Lewis Trio, Frantics, Wailers, Playboys, Dynamics, Viceroys, and Imperials. Song-by-song, one can detect sly and skillful aural homages to some of the finest instrumental rock songs produced in the Pacific Northwest between 1959 and 1965.
But far from just "borrowing" specific riffs or "quoting" previous hits, the Hammers instead evoke the entire musical milieu that was forged by the first generation of teenaged Northwest rockers. Laced throughout the 14-song disc are the requisite oomphs of an electric organ, the traditional saxophone squawking, the rockin' garage/jazz guitar lines (informed by innovations pioneered back in the day by aces with names like Coryell, Dangel, Nokie, Olason, and Johansen) – all anchored by reams of driving bass-work, snappy snare-drumming, and sizzling cymbals.
Such standout tunes as "Late Last Night," "4 Quarts of Soul," "Pikesville," and "Wasabi" (think "Tequila"), are no mere museum-pieces -- and, Hey: I like museums! -- or simple-minded salutes to bygone days of Northwest glory. Instead, this band is a living testament to the timeless power embodied by a regional strain of rock 'n' roll whose original moment in the sun was, shall we say, unfortunately shaded by other Hollywood-led music biz priorities (Fabian & Annette Funicello anyone?!?). Rather than attempting to recreate a long-gone day, these guys successfully resurrect the best elements of a music-form still held in great esteem by many fans -- but they do it with a modern sensibility and the full-on energy of today.
Major kudos go out to the band: Fred Slater (organ), L.A. Berger (sax), Tom King (guitar), Ronaldo (bass), and Steve Howell (drums). Like the old saw goes: "If the only tool you have is a hammer – everything starts to look like a nail." And, man, do these pounding Fabulous Hammers ever nail it!
By Pete Blecha, author of the new book SONIC BOOM: The History of Northwest Rock and longtime curator at Seattle's rock 'n' roll museum, the Experience Music Project
- Washington Blues Society Bluesletter
Discography
Our Latest CD, "Pikesville" is available now at select record stores in Seattle and Direct from the band. It has been reviewed both locally and in national magazines.
Photos
Bio
We are the Fabulous Hammers - the sound of wailing guitars, blazing sax, pounding drums and heavy organ. We have played the Northwest Folklife Festival at the Seattle Center – headlining the Rhythm and Blues Review, to the KZOK Stage at the Taste of Tacoma, to the LouieFest with the Fabulous Wailers, the Wallingford and Mercer Island Seafair celebrations, Blues to Do TV, and lots of great local pubs.
Our Sax and Organ driven lineup evokes the original “Northwest Sound” - that regional strain of R&B-tinged rock ‘n’ roll that was forged decades ago (ca. 1957-1964) in various Puget Sound-area towns with hit records by bands like The Wailers, The Sonics, The Viceroys, Dave Lewis, The Dynamics, The Kingsmen, and others.
Our debut CD - chock full of new rockin’ tunes with hints of the blues – has been reviewed in the Washington Blues Society Bluesletter and Blue Suede News, a national rockabilly magazine.
"Nice to hear some Northwest Classics done in an authentic fashion." Jeffrey Beals, longtime member of the mid-1960s Kingsmen.
"The Fabulous Hammers are re-creating a part of the NW music story that I've heard so much about and did not live thru myself." Marlee Walker, host of Blues to Do TV, previous dj at KEXP and KPLU.
“Rather than attempting to recreate a long-gone day, these guys successfully resurrect the best elements of a music-form still held in great esteem by many fans -- but they do it with a modern sensibility and the full-on energy of today.” Pete Blecha, author of the new book SONIC BOOM: The History of Northwest Rock and longtime curator at Seattle's rock 'n' roll museum, the Experience Music Project.
"I listened to the CD. I had an image of being in a bachelor pad in 1963 with this music playing. Oh yeah, Rod Serling is standing in the corner..." Dale Rawson, Milwaukee, producer, studio owner.
"If you like the instrumental sounds of early-mid 60's Soul and R&B as well as rock, then you're sure to like The Fabulous Hammers"
Jeff Hofman KSER 90.7 FM Everett WA Dusties Saturday's 5-7 PM (PST)
“You guys were the epitome of professionalism. Truly. You are also one of the best bands I put up. We absolutely want you back to play with us in the sunshine if you'll do it.” Merri L. Sutton, Production Director, LouieFest '07.
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